The Tonganoxie City Council voted unanimously to begin construction designs for the city shop and take bids to build the facility.

Jay Zimmerschied, of BG Consultants, showed council members conceptual designs of the shop, which would cover more than 17,000 square feet.

In City Administrator Mike Yanez’s proposed capital budget, Yanez estimated the project costing $1.8 million. The city will look to finance the project through bonds.

“Your gas affects everything,” Zimmerschied said, referring to high gasoline prices. “It’s not just the price of steel that changes everything.”

The existing city shop is on the west side of Main Street between Third and Fourth streets.

Discussions under way on construction of new pool

The longtime Tonganoxie swimming pool could be replaced.

City council member voted 4-1, with Velda Roberts voting against, to have conceptual designs created for a zero-entry pool where the nearly 80-year-old pool currently is on Main Street. The council voted that costs for the designs not exceed $7,000.

The architecture firm of Bohl and Associates in Olathe will do the study.

Yanez said he’s worked with Bohl and Associates before.

“I have a high level of confidence in Mr. Bohl and Mr. Palmer,” Yanez said.

Council members have said they want voters to decide whether the city needs a new swimming pool. When that issue would appear on the ballot has not been discussed.

Yanez has earmarked $250,000 in the capital budget for 2007 for repairs to the existing pool.

Fees increase by $10 in municipal court

Court costs for people appearing in municipal court will increase from $35 to $45.

The council unanimously voted for the fee hike because the state plans to increase its state assessment fees by the same amount beginning July 1.

City council members agree to purchase new equipment

The fire department and public works departments will be receiving new equipment.

Council members voted unanimously to purchase an air compressor for the fire department at $31,659 from Weis Fire and Safety, Salina.

The council also approved a Volvo mini excavator for $23,000 and a Stanley pavement breaker for $13,200.